Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10,722, William Gamble, New Jersey

SERVICE
New Jersey.
Gamble, William
NUMBER _____
NUMBER S. 10722
carded
CONTENTS

174
Dist of Columbia
William Gamble
of Washington City in the State of  Dist of Columbia who was a Major in the Regt commanded by Captain of the of the Regiment commanded by Colonel in the in the Key Stone State line, for the term of during the War from 1776 to 17
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist of Columbia at the rate of 600 Dollars per month  annum , to commence on the 4 day of March 1830
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 of Augt 1832 - and delivered to Major W Gamble
Arrears to 4th of March 1832  $600 : Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept.  300 . $900
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 19, 1816, and May 1, 1820. }
7 June 1832
Recorded Book N. vol 8 page 160 B. L. 15
Jan 15- 1833 ad-

Committee John D. Webb W. H. Chapman Aug 4. 1832

Declaration.
District of Columbia } Washington County } To wit.
On this the thirty first day of July 1832 personally appeared at Chambers before William Francis Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia in the County of Washington Major William Gamble resident in the City of Washington and District aforesaid aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and Service as herein stated as follows. That in the year 1776 he was appointed by William Livingston then Governor of the State of New Jersey Brigadier Major and directed to act under Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson. That the said Genl at the same time issued to the deponent an order for four full companies to be detailed for immediate service at Perth Amboy. That the order was put in execution without delay and the companies marched to their place of destination. That the deponent accompanied Genl Dickinson to Perth Amboy and joined Generals Mercer and Robert Howe making their headquarters in the Government House. That some time after this Dr. Franklin and his other Commissioners arrived at Amboy from Philadelphia to meet Lord Howe and other Commissioners on the part of Great Britain who agreed to meet on Staten Island in Bishop's House near the point. That the deponent was directed to take Genl Murtys uniformed company and one of the large batteries with a flag of truce and escort the Commissioners to the point of the Island which duty deponent performed. That upon the breaking up of the meeting of Commissioners who did not agree upon certain points the deponent conveyed them back to Amboy. That the deponent was engaged in the affair near Princeton. That he was attached to the reserve of the troops who marched from Trenton and was commanded Genl M c Lean with keeping the encampment well lighted while the main body of the troops left there for Princeton. That Genl Mercer was killed in the battle near the College at the latter place and that after this engagement the troops filed off to Morris County where they quartered or halted for the winter. That Genl Putnam was left in command at Princeton and issued an order about the last of January 1777 requiring a certain portion of the militia of Burlington County to be marched to Princeton to escort the Quakers and non combatants to their headquarters, the object of the Genl being as was understood to make those persons do duty as a fatigue party as they refused to bear arms. The duty of superintending their discharge as the deponent says, upon him and they were employed to cut

wrote for the troops during the winter. The deponent says that some time in mid March of this year 1777 the Queen's Rangers commanded by Col. Simcoe made a forced march up the Raritan to destroy a flotilla of Boats but was attacked on his return to Staten Island had his horse killed and was himself wounded. That while the Militia were rushing upon him with the bayonet the deponent saved his life and sent him and his Surgeon in a baggage wagon to Bridgetown on parole as prisoners of war. That the employment of deponent was constant and that he was at all times subject to the orders of Governor Livingston through the deponent's commander Genl. Shelburne Dickerson. That he was often obliged to perform arduous duty in suppressing the Tories in Monmouth County and in repelling the incursions of the refugees who were constantly attacking the Whigs. That the deponent rec'd in 1777 an order to detail a party of Militia with two baggage wagons and march them into Bergen County and collect every fourth pellican of Ship's Stores on which duty he collected a large quantity which was used for the Jersey Militia who were destitute of warm clothing. That deponent also detailed other parties for similar service in other Counties on the State. That the deponent while the enemy occupied Philadelphia performed the double duty of Brigade Major and Adjutant of the State of New Jersey and was constantly employed. That when the enemy marched through New Jersey the deponent was ordered to encourage the men in defending the Bridge over Passaic's Creek and while executing these orders received a gun shot in the heart which wounded him severely.
That as soon as the wound was healed the deponent was again on horseback in service and held both the commissions mentioned doing duty in the service of the State until the close of the war.
That the deponent has it not in his power to produce his commissions as they together with other military documents were lodged in the War Department and received by John Hays who was then Chief Clerk. That he has reason to believe they were afterwards destroyed when the War Office in Washington City was burned.
That there is however at present ample evidence , in the War Department that deponent was wounded in the heart in June 1778. That this evidence consists of the proof by Capt. Vandewater who was the Officer commanding the men at the defense of Crosswick's Creek.

Third
Where were you living when called into service: when have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live
Answer. He lived in Burlington in N. Jersey when called into service. Since the revolutionary war he has lived in the State of N. York - and for the last 20 years in the District of Columbia, where he now lives. -
Fourth. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a Substituted and if a Substituted for whom.
Answer. By an appointment of Gov. Livingston of N. Jersey as a Brigade major and adjutant of Gen. Dickinson's brigade of Jersey militia.
Fifth. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when in service: such Continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Answer. This interrogatory is answered in the preceding Declaration.
Sixth. Did you ever receive a commission and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it.
Answer. He had a Commission from Gov. Livingston as before stated. It was deposited in the War Department in Philadelphia - transmitted to the War Office in Washington - & probably burnt with the office.
Seventh. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the revolution
Answer. John Chalmers, and David Bready, and others.
Sworn and subscribed this 21 st of July 1832. before me W. Branch.
William G. Dumble
And the said William Branch Chief Judge of said Court do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant William G. Dumble was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the said Judge further certifies that it appears to him that John Chalmers also has signed the preceding certificate as a Clergyman resident in the City of Washington and

That he is not now aware of the existence of any person who can declare a State or personal knowledge of the services of the deponent, but that the deponent has herein fully set forth a detail of facts and circumstances which he believes will sufficiently place of any such testimony.
And the deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any State and that he only receives a pension from the United States for the wound which he received at the defense of the Bridge over Brandywine Creek which is all the annuity pay a pension he receives either from a State or States or from the Government of the United States.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
W. Branch
William Gamble
Mr John Holmes a plowman residing on Washington City and David Brereton residing in the same place hereby certify that he are well acquainted with the deponent William Gamble who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that he believes him to be seventy four years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Holmes D. Brereton
The following interrogatories were then propounded by the said Chief Judge to the said applicant William Gamble who answered as annexed to each question.
First Where and in what year were you born
Answer - In Dublin in Ireland in the year 1758. -
Second Have you any children of your age and if so where is it.
Answer - No. -

That David Brearly also has signed also signed the same is a resident of the said City and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Clerk Judge also certifies that the applicant William Gamble appears to labor under bodily infirmity: that there is no Court now in Session here before which he can make his deposition & that there will not be any for some months and that he is now informed and the course now taken for deposing to this statement seems to be the only one he can pursue under the present circumstances.
W. Branch
I William Brent Clerk of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington do hereby certify that William Branch who has subscribed the foregoing certificate is Chief Judge of the said Court and that the signature annexed thereto is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said Court this the 31 st day of July in the year 1832.
William Brent Clk.

Total. Half pay of a Major.
   25      4     1  30/100 (333      90      100     3  90     25  100     875.8  90     3.33      878.33    

He further deposeth—
That when the British Army evacuated Philadelphia and passed through New Jersey to New York in June 1778 he was acting as Major of Brigade under Brigadier General Dickinson, who Commanded the Militia of that State. Information was received by the Viceroy that was watching the movements of the Enemy that their advance guard were approaching towards the draw Bridge. The General ordered him to detach a party of volunteers with a Judicious officer to command them, and place them in the entrenchment at the end of the drawbridge. Captain Van Dinter volunteered his services and sixty of his Company also volunteered and marched with to the Drawbridge. The left flank guard of the Enemy had already taken a position on the opposite side of the Bridge, a party was repairing the draw, which we had demolished in the morning.
There was no possibility of restraining. Cap. Van Dinter's men, seeing the Enemy on the Bridge within Pistol shot of the breast work, one of them without order fired his piece, which was returned with grape shot from two field pieces and a shower of musketry from the opposite side of the Creek. The party who were repairing the draw were mostly shot down, those places were supplied by others with as little success—two pieces of field artillery were sent from the Cantonment by order of the General which opened upon the Enemy, which obliged him to abandon the Bridge, about sundown, he filed off towards Monmouth.

During the Skirmish I received a gunshot wound in my breast, twelve of the party was also wounded, some of them severely. Towards evening he was nearly exhausted with fatigue and loss of blood, inasmuch that it was with some difficulty he was able to proceed to the Cantonment. Col. Hampton came to the Cantonment about nine in the evening with orders from the Commander in Chief, (with an order for the Perry Militia) to march without delay towards Allenton in Monmouth County and harass as much as possible the left flank & rear of the Enemy. The Troops marched immediately, with much difficulty he was able to accompany them, after his wound was dressed and bound up, he believes that under any other circumstances but that of a zealous patriotic mind he could have endured the pain and fatigue he suffered. The following day the militia took several stragglers and followers of the Enemy, together with a considerable number of Battle and plundered effects belonging to the Citizens. The next day was the Battle of Monmouth very hot indeed after which the Militia was discharged from any further duty at that time. He was nearly overcome towards evening by the intense heat of the weather, dust, and loss of blood, when I was wounded, after the excitement had ceased he found himself laboring with a very high fever.
He was taken in a Carriage to his house in Burlington County, unable to ride on horseback, he was confined to his bed and Room from this time until the following Spring, when he began to have some hope of a Shattuck Recovery.
In the session of this year, he was appointed a Magistrate of the County where he resided, his wound was yet painful with

Every change of weather, or severe exercise. He remained in a state of debility until the close of the war, he was advised by his Surgeon to try a southern voyage as a warm climate might be serviceable. He purchased a Virginia Schooner a fast sailer, and fitted her for the fore trade on the Spanish Main. He was induced the more readily to adopt this plan, as it promised both health and profit, and probably reimburse him in some degree for the loss of a valuable patrimonial estate which he very imprudently disposed of for Continental currency, which sunk in his hands. He arrived in the West Indies in 1784, engaged a Master who had been a few voyages on the Spanish Main, and as soon as his outfit was ready he sailed from Jamaica for the Main. He made several successful voyages, the risque was great, but the profits so alwering that nothing was wanting but Courage, and a ruined fortune to engage in it. He acquired in the course of three years upwards of three thousand pounds sterling which he deposited with a Merchant, who did his business in Jamaica, who did his endeavor, to appearance to serve him, in the sale of Mules, and Horses brought up from the Main. If he had known when to stop, prudence would have pointed this period, he attempted one more Voyage, but a loss here uncertain is everything in this life, he was taken by a Spanish guard a Coasta, Sloop of war, in Matanza Bay, himself and Crew carried to the Havannah, and his vessel and merchandise sent to the North end of the Island.

He was detained here for nearly two years, confined to the Town under the responsibility of a Mr. Hows a merchant who formerly lived in Philadelphia, and being a strict Catholic stood well with the Governor. His people were sent to Vera Cruz and from thence to the mines of Potosy, it was not in my power to render them any relief, he expostulated with the Municipality without success, and was told he ought to bless Don J. Hews, and the Vice Roy, for saving him from the mines. —
He had permission to return to the U.S. 1789 and procured a passage to St. Augustine, from thence he found a vessel bound to Savana in Georgia, where he met with several of his former acquaintances, among the rest a relation Major Fishbourn, the Brigade Major to General Wayne. He remained a few weeks with his friend and expressed a wish to visit Benjamin Postell of Santee in South Carolina. Major Fishbourn furnished him with two horses and a servant, he left Savana and was conducted to Mr. Postell, where he met a most hospitable welcome.
He remained with this valuable friend upwards of two months, enjoying all the comfort and happiness that could be wished for, in fact we were like brothers, having been near seven years schoolfellows and roommates at Burlington Academy New Jersey. There is a proof of his generous noble soul, when it was suggested for him to try to induce me to remain with him made an offer of a tract of land near him with negroes to work it; such are the noble principles which have ever distinguished the Citizens of South Carolina — how seldom to be met in other Countries.

Imprecious circumstances urged his departure he had an affectionate wife and three small children in New Jersey, he was obliged to tear himself from his truly beloved friend Postell , after receiving from him such marks of disinterested attention which never can be forgotten by a grateful heart. He returned to New Jersey in 1789 where he remained on a small Farm which with an agency he had from Robert Morris Esquire of the City of Philadelphia for the sale of lands in western part of the State of Pennsylvania, and also in the State New York
This agency afforded him, means which enabled him to support his family comfortably but unfortunately the failure of this worthy Citizen the Credit of his paper soon ceased to circulate, and his agency with it. He being one of those evil Citizens who was hostile to gag laws, and of ill duty, he determined to remove his family to the Genesee Country, which he did; determining to prefer the solitude of the forest to a Government, which he feared was fast verging to anything but republicanish. —
He settled on the margin of the River Niagara at and near a place now called Lewiston some short time after this an Act of Congress passed making Fort Niagara a port of entry and delivery. He received an appointment from the Collector as Inspector for Lewiston it being, the head of the Navigation —

He further declares that he was employed for nearly two years in the Customs in this district, that he was told his compensation would be two dollars p. day Sundays excepted, that he was never paid any part of this emolument during the time he was employed in the district of Niagara, depriving the recipient of it at the seat of the General Government. This was one of the reasons why he came to the seat of Government, among others, was his claim upon the United States for a portion which he was believed he was in justice entitled to when ever his circumstances in life required it.
He had other reasons his eldest son having expressed a desire for the Navy employment, his friends in New Jersey made application and was appointed a Midshipman, and soon after went to the United States.
He lost an affectionate wife in 1805 during his residence in the West, his other three sons being desirous to follow their brother's profession, as soon as their Education justified it he got into the Navy, the want of society induced him to come to New Jersey in 1807. He came to Washington during the winter since sometime after this he was employed by the head of the Navy department as Superintendent of the Powder Magazine of the Navy of the United States — He continued in this employ until the Hon. Paul Hamilton retired from office. He was not in Government employ after this time.

He was not employed by Government until the close of the late war, when President Madison was pleased to appoint him Collector of Clatsop County, he went on this duty, where he found the Estimate too severe for him, he was obliged the following year to leave the north and returned to Washington. 1816 He was then Commissioned by the President and the consent of the Senate, Consul of the Island of St. Lucia but certain reasons has hitherto prevented his entering upon the duties of this appointment. He is at this present time in the City of Washington. Febry 2. 1819.
On this 31 st day of May 1820 personally appeared before me the subscriber William Gamble, and made oath, that the foregoing declaration and the several facts stated therein, are true.
Given under my hand the day and year aforesaid
B. Harrison Asst. Judge of Afs

War Department,
May 31. 1820.
Mr Edwards is directed to place the name of W m Gamble on the pension list, the testimony of Captain Vanderent being deemed sufficient as to Major Gamble's wound.
J. L. Calhoun
to be sufficient in the case, to entitle him to a pension under the acts of April 1806 and May 1820 - That the said papers have been lost or mislaid; and, as it is uncertain by whom, whether the said Gamble or myself, I deem it proper to file this certificate until the said papers can be found.
J. L. Edwards

Washington, May 31. 1820.
I hereby certify that the papers containing the testimony of Captain Vanderventer and two Surgeons, the former taken in the state of New-York - and the latter in Philadelphia, in relation to the wound and present disability of Major Wm. Gamble, was received deposited in the War Dept t and decided by the Secretary of War to be sufficient in the case, to entitle him to a pension under the acts of April 1806 and May 1820 - That the said papers have been lost or mislaid; and "it is uncertain by whom, whether the said Gamble or myself, I deem it proper to file this certificate until the said papers can be found.
J. L. Edwards

May 3, 1937
The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. O.
aw William Gamble S. 10722 BA-J/AWF
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Major William Gamble, of New Jersey Militia, War of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 10722, based upon disability and service of William Gamble during the Revolutionary War.
William Gamble was born in the year 1758 in Dublin, Ireland. The names of his parents were not given, nor was it stated when he arrived in this country.
While a resident of Burlington County, New Jersey, William Gamble was appointed Brigadier Major of the New Jersey Militia and served under Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, from sometime in 1778, and at the time of the battle of Trenton, had charge of keeping the encampment well lighted, while the main army left for Princeton, was in a skirmish near the Raritan, in several expeditions against the Tories, was severely wounded in the left breast in June, 1778 at Cross Wicks Creek, was at the battle of Monmouth, after which he became so weak from loss of blood, had to be carried home, and was not afterward able to return to active duty in the army.
After the Revolution he moved with his family to

Genesee County, New York and settled near Lewiston, and was appointed Inspector of Customs, which he held about two years. He was appointed by President Madison, Collector of "Michellimackina", which he held about one year, and in 1816 was appointed Consul to the Island of St. Eustatia, but was unable to accept this appointment.
William Gamble was allowed pension from May 31, 1820, on account of disability resulting from the wound referred to herein; he was at that time living in Washington, District of Columbia. He was, also, allowed pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Also While living in Washington, he was "Superintendent of the Powder Magazine of the Navy of the United States". He died January 15, 1833.
iterranean William Gamble's wife and three small children were living in 1789 in the State of New Jersey. His wife died in the year 1806. His eldest son was appointed, about 1811, Midshipman and went to the med-  iterranean ; three other sons were referred to, and it was stated in 1818, that all of his sons were in the service of "our country". Names of wife and children were not stated, nor was it shown when and where William Gamble married.
Reference was made in 1820 to a Major Fishbourne of Savannah, Georgia, a relative of Major William Gamble, also to an uncle (a bachelor) in England, name of uncle not given.
The papers in this claim contain no further reference to family.
The application for headstone for Major William Gamble is returned herewith. There was no correspondence enclosed.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Perkins
10722
1908 mayd. list to memorial Br. cl. ens
INVALID.
File No. 10722
William Gamble
Major Rev. War
Act: June 14 1832.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Payable semi-annually---the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of September . . . next at the Branch Bank (U.S.) Washington City.
Recorded

Act 7 June 1820
WAR DEPARTMENT.
INVALID PENSION.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 10 th of April, 1806, continued in force by Laws of 25 th of April, 1812 and of the 15 th of May, 1820. — William Gamble . . . . . late a Major of militia in the Army U.S. during Rev. War. is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Dist. of Columbia Agency, at the rate of twentyfive dollars per month, to commence on the thirtyfirst day of May. . . . . one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this thirtyfirst day of May. . . . . one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.

Original Claim.
UNITED STATES.
Columbia DISTRICT, ss.
I, Richard Houston Judge of the District COURT of the United States of America for the said District, by Authority of an act of Congress, passed the 25th day of April, 1812, entitled "An Act to revive and continue in force An Act to provide for persons who are disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary War, and for other purposes," do hereby especially authorise and commission
Richard Houston Esq of the county of Philadelphia and District of Pennsylvania to take all evidence pursuant to the rules and regulations of the said act for substantiating the claim of Major William Gamble of the town of Washington in the county of Washington and district of Columbia to be placed on the Pension List of the United States, by reason of known wounds received in said War, or since, (as prescribed in the 4th section of "An Act concerning invalid pensioners," passed the 25th of April, 1808,) while in the actual service of the United States, and in the line of his duty. And when the same shall be completed, to return the evidence, affidavits, certificates and proceedings had hereupon, together with this commission, to the Secretary for the Department of War.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at Washington City the 25 day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and 12
B. Houston

Exchequer of Pension.
UNITED STATES.
Pennsylvania DISTRICT, ss.
county of Philadelphia
To Doctor Thomas Harris
of the Navy — and Doctor Samuel B
Smyth of the Army
in Philadelphia , — in said District.
Pursuant to An Act of Congress of the United States, passed the 25th of April, 1812, entitled "An Act to revive and continue in force An Act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary War, and for other purposes," you are hereby appointed and authorised to examine William Gamble
who is inscribed on the Pension List of the United States, and is claimant for an increase of pension conformably to the 5th section of the act of the 10th of April, 1806, revived as aforesaid; and you are to report in writing and on oath or affirmation, your opinion of the nature of his disability and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor; and in your proceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at Philadelphia aforesaid this tenth — day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and Nineteen —
Richd. Newhall  Commissioner and Justice of Peace

WILLIAM D. HICKSON,
(Date.)
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, That William Gamble formerly in the company of a Major of Brigade in the  Regiment of United States in the State of New Jersey is disabled incapable of performing the duty of a soldier, by reason of wounds or other injuries inflicted while he was actually in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, viz: As appears by the oath of Captain Van Swinter and
By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination, it appears, that on the day of June in the year 1778
being engaged with the Enemy at or near a place called Crosswick's Bridge in the State, District, or Territory of New Jersey he received a gunshot wound in his left breast, the ball entering near the clavicle, and passing through the chest to the right  part where it now remains
and he is thereby totally incapacitated for Military Duty, but in the opinion of the undersigned, is Totally disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor.
H. Harris Surgeon in the Navy of the United States
Samuel D. Smith Surgeon U.S. Army
N. B. The blank in the last line but one is to be filled up with the proportional "Degree" of disability;—for example:—"three-fourths"—"one-half"—"one-third," &c. &c. or "totally," as the case may be.

Before me the subscribers one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Philadelphia and Commonwealth named in the annexed Document, personally appeared the within named Thomas Harris, and Samuel B Smith, and on their solemn oath, according to rites, respectively depose and say, that the statement contained in the within certificate subscribed by them, according to the best of their Skill and Judgment, is just and true.
Thos. Harris Esq. U. S. N.
Samuel B Smith Esq. in Mary
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the tenth Day of July Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
Richd Newhall Esq. Justice of Peace and Commonwealth

State of New York Niagara County ss Clerk's Office
J. Frederick B Merrill
Clerk of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that James Brock before whom the within Affidavit appears to have been made is one of the Assistant Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Niaga- ra acting as such under the authority of the State and that the within so signed is his Signature
In Testimony Whereof I
have hereunto set My Hand and Affixed the County Seal at Buffalo this tenth day of February in the Year of Our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen
J. B Merrill

I do hereby certify that William Gamble Major of Brigade of the New Jersey Militia commanded a detachment of men in the year 1778, which was detached by me from my company, that agreeably to the orders of the Major received from General Dickinson; we marched from the Cantonment at the White Horse to the Dree Bridge over Raritan Creek —
That we found the Enemy upholding the Bridge, covered by a large force on the opposite side — We came to the end of the Bridge, where a slight breast works had been previously erected — While Major Gamble was
standing near the end of the Bridge and giving some orders he received a ball in his breast, mortally wounded thru' which we drove the Enemy from the Bridge and obliged them to abandon it —
Given and subscribed to before me this 14th
Day of Feby 1818
Oliver Van Dusen
James Cook President of the County of Middlesex

I certify that I have examined a Gun that wound of Major William Gamble said to have been received in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary Revolutionary war
By the note examination it appears the ball penetrated his left breast near the sternum and lodged in his right side and he is in the opinion of the undersigned entitled to the pension allowed by law to Revolutionary officers
Washington City
24 Feby. 1819-
Benjamin Dalbera
Post-surgeon U.S. Army
Henry Shurtt
Late Hosp l surgeon U.S. Army

(Copy.)
War Department, Pension Office, Jan'y 26 th 1820
Sir,
Your claim to a pension under the Act of Congress providing for persons disabled by known wounds during the Revolutionary War, has been examined by me, and being informal and insufficient for the purpose the papers are herewith returned.
The first objection in these documents is the erasure of the name of the person to whom the commission was given by Judge Thruston, and the substitution therein of the name of Richard Renshaw, of Philadelphia, evidently written by himself,
The testimony of Capt. Vanderent as to the wound you received, is not sufficient. The law requires the testimony of the commanding officer, or of two credible witnesses. As Capt. Vanderent was not the commanding officer, the evidence of another credible witness is wanting.
Agreeably to the Act of Congress, you must also prove by at least one credible witness, that you continued in service during the whole time for which you were detached. And in the same manner you must prove your mode of life and employment since you left the

service, and the place or places where you have since resided, and your place of residence at the time of taking such testimony. —
The rules and regulations in conformity with the law, are herewith enclosed for your guidance. —
Paris, respectfully,
Your ob t serv t
J. L. Edwards.
Major W m Gamble, who was an officer during the Revolution.
Washington.

Major Lawrence
Washington Nov. 19. 1821
Sir
You will be so good as to accept Copies of the Evidence which entitles me to a pension from the United States
I am Sir very respectfully
your ob. serv.
William Gamble
Major Lawrence
U.S.

War Dep.
Pensions Office,
Feb. 5. 1820.
Sir,
In compliance with your request, I herewith transmit a copy of my letter to Major Gamble. The papers in support of his claim have been returned to him.
I am, very respectfully,
Your ob t serv t .
J. G. Edwards
Letter of Mr Edwards, & observations on the case of Major Gamble.
Hon d . Joseph Bloomfield, House of Representatives.

Observations on the annexed foregoing, Submitted to the Hon. Sec. C. Cochran , Secretary of War.
1 st The erasure of the name of the Commissioner, ought not to be considered a crime; as the act, was not accompanied with a vicious will - Another commission may issue.
2 d . - The second objection, is incorrect. - Col t . Vandeventer was the Commanding Officer , of the Militia Corps, in which Major Gamble (who had no rank in the line) did duty, & was wounded in a skirmish.
When the British army marched from Philad. through N J ersey, to N Y ork. their left flankguard, approached the pass, at the Droad-Br dge over Croton Creek, which was defended by Militia, under Col t . Vandeventer. Gen l Dickinson sent Brigade-Major Gamble from Trenton, with orders, to encourage the Militia to defend the pass at the Droad-Br dge . In the execution of these orders, the Brigade Major Gamble, joined the Militia, under Col t . Vandeventer, in the skirmish, received a ball, (now in his body). This appears from the deposition of Col t . Vandeventer, the Commanding Officer of the Corps, in battle, & which is the highest evidence, (in my Opinion) of which the case is susceptible.
Case of Col t J. Vandeventer vs Major Gamble
* Gen l Dickinson, has been accused, several years.
Joseph Bloomfield. 5 th Mo. 1824.

In the Rev. War pension claim W.2979 of Peter Van De- venter, N.J. is the original letter of Major Wm Gamble to said P. Van D. requesting the latter to furnish this testimony. In it Major Gamble says that his sons are all in the service of "our country". (no names given) The letter is dated Wash- ington City Jan. 15, 1818.
AW Feb. 12. 1917

ment
... until this the deponent that he hath no other evidence now known of the foregoing premises, except the annexed affidavit of Peter Vandeventer - and moreover, that he is in reduced circumstances, and in need of assistance from his country for support -
District of Columbia Jct
William Gamble
J. Buckner Houston Judge as aforesaid
I do certify that on this 6 th day of April 1818 personally appeared before me Mayor William Gamble and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing declaration; It appears therefore to my satisfaction that the said William Gamble did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as stated in the said declaration, and I certify & transmit to the Secretary for the department of War, the testimony & proceedings had in the case pursuant to the directions of the 18 th March 1818. Given under my hand at Washington in the said district the day & year first above mentioned to the Honble the Secretary at War
B. Houston

been wheaten ultimately compound - - war.
He further decla.
Skirmish he received a shot in his Breast, soon after the Enemy was driven out of Iassy, his wound was examined by the surgeon, and certificate given him, as well as one from the
47 1/2 4

District of Columbia Washington City ss
Personally come before me the subscriber a judge of the circuit court for the district William Gamble of said district who being duly sworn according to Law, declares as follows. That he served as an Officer in the Revolutionary War in the State of New Jersey
That he was aide to Genl Dickinson of the said State by whom he was ordered to take a sufficient force and defend the crossbridge between Bordentown, and Trenton, at the time the Enemy had evacuated Philadelphia in June 1778—
That while in the actual discharge of his duty he received a Gunshot wound in his breast, the evidence of which, will be fully explained by the accompanying Certificates of respectable surgeons
That the wound has ever since he received it, occasioned much pain, and upon the slightest cold, from change of weather, it has within a few years past (especially in the Cold season) very afflicting— He further declares that he lodged his papers relative to his services as well as Certificates from General Dickinson, and the surgeon (respecting the wound he received,) in the War Office in

Philadelphia, with the Chief Clerk John Stagg, as a lien upon his Country, at some future day, should he require it — He further declares that he has at divers time made diligent inquiry, and search at the department of War, without effect, and has good cause for believing they have been either lost, or destroyed
He further declares, that at his time of life he is utterly prevented from gaining a livelihood, or consequence , from the severe pain he frequently endures, in consequence of the wound he received, in the Public service —
He further declares that he never has received any compensation, or portion from any State, nor from the General Government —
He also declares, that from motives of delicacy, and perhaps, mistaken pride, he has hitherto, received claiming pecuniary aid from Government which the Law has provided in similar cases — sworn to before me this 26 th day of February 1819
B. Thruston

(607)
Dist. of Columbia.
William Gamble, Major
Captain of militia — of the in the Army U.S. during Rebell. War. —
Ratio of disability, ————— Total. . . . . Time of closing the testimony ————— 3 — 31. May 1820
Inscribed on the roll of Dist. of Columbia at 25 dollars per month, to commence on the 31 st May, 1820.
Certificate of pension issued the 31 st of May 1820, and delivered to the Pensioner. —
Amount Portion of Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1820 — 3 and 4 / 30 Months. ————— $78.33
Acts 10 th April, 1806 } 25 th April 1812 } 15 th May, 1820. }
see letter Jan. 22. 1831 to Hon. S. A. Foot, Senate U.S. do. to Major Gamble Feb. 3. 1831
Capt. Van Deusen off copied for Maj Gamble Feb 1832. See letter to Hon. S.A. Foot 3 rd March 1832

Mayin Lemble's Letter to J. Bloemveld with Documents of Claim to half share
Found 28 July 1820

Dear General
It occurred to me after I had the pleasure of seeing you on Saturday last that it might not be improper to make a short statement to you in writing relating to my pretensions on Government for a Pension —
Having so frequently been frustrated in my application, and it is now upwards of twelve months that I have been kept off by Major Edwards in consequence (as he said) of the surgeons not having sworn to their examination, which was considered by them unnecessary being both of them surgeons in the Army —
Being apprehensive the law would expire before I could procure an other examination, one of those Gentlemen having left the City; Major Edwards said he would enter my application in the Books of his office which would prevent my being barred, should the law expire, on this I rested satisfied. —
Major Edwards observed to me at the same time that after I had got the Certificate of the surgeons taken on oath, he was of opinion I had complied with the spirit of the Law, as far as laying my power, and hoped the secretary would grant the Pension —
The Commission which Mr Edwards has stated as one of his new objections was handed me by the Judge at my special request to be filled with the name of any Justice that might be most convenient
Respectfully Your friend J. G.

For the surgeons to appear before, but before I could find two willing to take the trouble to examine my wound. Joseph Cannon whose name I had put in the Commission had left the City I was then obliged to erase his name — Why should this be made an objection the Commission then stood as it was before — I see nothing to carp at. If Mr. Benshaw is a magistrate, which I believe is known to you as well as other members of Congress, if the two surgeons one of which belongs to the Port of Philadelphia, the other belongs to the Navy Hospital in Phil a . both eminent in their profession and known to the Government, "why the objection" —
The opinion Mr. Edwards has given on my case which you did me the honor to read on Saturday reminds me of an anecdote I recollect of Philip King of Macedon —
A Lady addressed him and requested him to be her Judge in a certain affair in which she was concerned — "The King in much haste gave his Judgment against her, whereupon she declared she would appeal from it" — To whom as you appeal said the King — "to Philip said she, when he reflects."
This made him reconsider the cause and he gave a Judgment in the Lady's favor —
I hope and I do believe Sir you will be able to induce the secretary to do me Justice, and I do firmly believe he has every disposition to do so, when you state my pretensions to him; "would to God I could do without it."

Of an early devotion to the cause of my country sacrifice of an Ample Patrimonial Estate if my Blood which has been shed, and a Musket Ball which I carry about in my Body has a claim on the Magnanimity of this Government; I will preserve my family motto Nil desperandum
To add to this I have forfeited the friendship of a wealthy uncle a bachelor in England, who at one time made me his heir, but finding I had taken part in the Revolution he revoked what he had done, and has ever since that Period pursued a steady course of hostility against me —
I am persuaded you will pardon the trouble I am now adding to what I have already given you; I wish to impress on your mind some circumstances, which in the multiplicity of business on hand might slip your memory — yet I hope Sir, I may not be understood as offering a stimulus to my respectable friend Genl. Bloomfield to acts of Humanity —
I have the honor Sir to be with great respect
your ob t Servant
William Samble
Hon. Genl. Joseph Bloomfield